Wednesday, November 04, 20092009 Draft Labour Code Released

GISRemarks By Minister For Natural Resources & Labour

Greetings to you, my people, of these beautiful British Virgin Islands.

I am Omar Wallace Hodge, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour.
It is with great pleasure that I speak to you today about the Draft Labour Code as my heart is overjoyed that we have arrived at this pinnacle in the Territory’s history.

Labour matters whether great or small affect all the Territory’s residents, be it native, expatriate, employed or unemployed. The successful management of labour issues in any Country determines, in a real way, whether that Country will progress economically, socially and politically.

We all know that the 1975 Labour Code that we now have on the books has not kept pace with the economic and social development of the Territory and the time has long past for Government to enact a new Code. In my capacity as Minister for Labour, I have been involved in many appeals by the Public to address issues that the 1975 Code no longer adequately addresses.

When I was given the portfolio of Labour Minister under this VIP Administration, I made it clear to my Permanent Secretary that I wished to revive efforts to have a new Labour Code enacted for the Territory. Earlier this year, my Ministry embarked on the Labour Code Revision process. We engaged the services of Mr. Clive Pegus, Attorney-at-Law as a consultant to undertake a comprehensive review of the Territory’s labour laws. We are grateful that the Sub Regional Office of the International Labour Organization recommended Mr. Pegus to us as he has proven to be able in the performance of his duties and well matched to the task.

My people, you are aware that we held a series of public meetings on Tortola and the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke where healthy discussions took place on present day labour matters. Of course, we had the benefit of all the work that was previously done to support our very deliberate actions of seeking your advice and guidance.

We also held extensive consultations with stakeholders that included the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, the BVI Charter Yacht Society, the BVI Christian Council, the BVI Registered Agents Association, Contractor’s Association of the Virgin Islands, the V.I. Civil Service Association and the BVI Bar Association along with many others. All shared their areas of great concern with us and we took those comments on board.

Following these meetings we were faced with the mammoth task of compiling the different views of all stakeholders gathered during our territory-wide consultations. But with much perseverance, very committed staff and never loosing site of the fact that people is our number one priority and your needs must come first, we were able to compile and develop an all encompassing Code for the way forward.

Now, having received your views, as Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, it gives me great pleasure to announce to you, the stakeholders and the general public that the 2009 Draft Labour Code is completed and now available for public examination.
I believe that we have a code that is balanced, conducive to good industrial relations and facilitates opportunities for Virgin Islanders while addressing the Territory’s need for migrant workers.

I implore you to Request, Review and Read this 2009 Draft Labour Code which is in line with relevant international standards but reflects your views, your comments and your concerns. This is the mechanism that Government hopes to use to move forward in the years to come. Electronic copies can be requested from the Labour Code Secretariat at the Department of Labour and limited hard copies can be found at the BVI Public Library, the Road Town Post Office and the Government Help Desk located at the Central Administration Building. Copies can also be sourced through the District Officers on the Sister Islands.

My people, the Virgin Islands Party Government will do all that lies in its power to provide you with the new Labour Code you have requested by the close of business in 2009. Having a modern Labour Code for the Territory is “a must.” Without a new Labour Code, our steady progress in developing the BVI business community will be undermined. I need not add that the economy is the heart of any nation and those nations that fail in their economies also fail socially. In making the Draft Labour Code available for your consideration, I am also providing you with the opportunity to forward to us any comments you may have. Please send those comments to the Labour Code Secretariat which is located in the Office of the Labour Commissioner.

We welcome your comments and look forward to your contributions as we move forward to secure and protect our very valuable and productive labour force for these Virgin Islands. Thank You and God Bless!

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